B.W. Hancock – författare

Many books have been written about cancer immunology. However, the subject is still in its infancy regarding full understanding of the complex mechanisms and interactions involved and their relevance to the clinical situation. Exciting developments are being seen in the fields of research, involving, for example, monoclonal antibodies and biological response modifiers. We, therefore, feel fully justified in introducing this new text, which is intended for clinical oncologists wishing to know more about the status of immunology in cancer and as a source of reference for workers, in all branches of oncology research, seeking up-to-date reviews. Contributors have, therefore, given both explanatory and more detailed accounts of developments in their particular fields of expertise. xi IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CANCER 1. BASIC IMMUNOLOGY A. MILFORD WARD INTRODUCTION The immune response represents the normal physiological process by which the body main­ tains homeostasis in the response to infection or to introduction of foreign material. The immune system that generates this response is complex in that it exerts its action by means of circulating cellular and humoral components capable of acting at sites far distant from their site of formation and by its interaction with a variety of biological effector systems. CELLS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM The major cell types of the immune system are the macrophages and the lymphocytes.

Many books have been written about cancer immunology. However, the subject is still in its infancy regarding full understanding of the complex mechanisms and interactions involved and their relevance to the clinical situation. Exciting developments are being seen in the fields of research, involving, for example, monoclonal antibodies and biological response modifiers. We, therefore, feel fully justified in introducing this new text, which is intended for clinical oncologists wishing to know more about the status of immunology in cancer and as a source of reference for workers, in all branches of oncology research, seeking up-to-date reviews. Contributors have, therefore, given both explanatory and more detailed accounts of developments in their particular fields of expertise. xi IMMUNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CANCER 1. BASIC IMMUNOLOGY A. MILFORD WARD INTRODUCTION The immune response represents the normal physiological process by which the body main­ tains homeostasis in the response to infection or to introduction of foreign material. The immune system that generates this response is complex in that it exerts its action by means of circulating cellular and humoral components capable of acting at sites far distant from their site of formation and by its interaction with a variety of biological effector systems. CELLS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM The major cell types of the immune system are the macrophages and the lymphocytes.

The assessment of tumour response after treatment is one of the most important challenges in Oncology and the picture is so often complicated by the effects of therapy itself. Clinical assessment is still by far the most important method of assessment at our disposal but there is increasing dependence on investigations of all types as indices of response. This depen­ dence may be misplaced if inappropriate investigations are pursued and we have tried to emphasise in this book the importance of selectivity. Some indices of assessment (e. g. tumour markers, organ imaging) have a vital role to play; others (e. g. histopathology, genetics) are assuming greater impor­ tance as tumour behaviour becomes better understood. One subject, Immu­ nology, is still in its infancy as regards tumour follow-up, but shows much promise so that a full account of tumour immunology and trends in immu­ notherapy has been included. I am grateful to Dr. Brian Ross for his help with the chapter on Organ Imaging, to the Department of Medical Illustration for their ever-ready co-operation with illustrations and photographs and to Miss Shirley Francis for doing much of the typing. B. W. HANCOCK List of Contributors HANCOCK, B. W. , MD, DCH, MRCP, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, Hon­ orary Consultant Physician, Royal Hallamshire & Weston Park Hospitals, Sheffield, U. K. NEAL, F. E. , KSG, MBChB, FRCR, DMRT, Consultant Radiotherapist & Oncologist, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, u. K. POTTER, AM.